Financing

Is there a best time to refinance?

The old rule of thumb is that a person should refinance when mortgage rates drop 2% or more below their current interest rate. However, refinancing may be a viable option even if the difference is less. A modest reduction in the loan rate can still trim your monthly payment. For example, the monthly payment on a $100,000 loan at 8.5% is about $770 (excluding taxes and insurance). If the rate were lowered to 7.5%, the monthly payment would be about $700, or a savings of $70. Again, the significance of such savings is dependent upon your overall financial picture, how long you plan to stay in the home, etc.